Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

News and notes from Thursday’s Arkansas football availability…

I. Making It Work
Arkansas has counted on its veteran defensive players a lot this season. And as the No. 6 Razorbacks begin preparation for the Cotton Bowl with a short-handed staff, those experienced players are valuable once again.

Linebackers coach John L. Smith left for a head coaching job at Weber State. Defensive coordinator Willy Robinson resigned earlier this week. Both changes happened before bowl practice began.

That’s where seniors, like fifth-year defensive end Jake Bequette, come in handy.

“[Coach Bobby Petrino] kind of challenged the front row of seniors in the team meeting room and said this is on you,” Bequette said. “It’s time to conduct yourselves like professionals here your last few weeks of practice, and conduct yourself like-wise on the field Jan. 6.”

Players aren’t going un-coached on the field even with the vacancies on staff. Arkansas has shuffled some responsibilities and is making use of other personnel in coaching roles. Plus, veteran defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell was absent on Thursday while attending graduation for his son.

That meant Bobby Allen shifted from defensive line to safeties. Graduate assistant Brandon Sharp was also overseeing defensive backs. Football operations man Kevin Peoples, a former defensive line coach at Arkansas State, put his skills to use on the defensive line.  Caldwell will, according to Allen, see more time with special teams in place of Smith.

Reggie Johnson oversaw all linebackers and, at least for the day, was described by Allen as the “center point” of the defense. Johnson oversaw the defense and called plays in 2009 when Robinson was hospitalized. Johnson, who doesn’t have the interim defensive coordinator tag, said it would be a group effort running the defense.

“So we still have to talk about some things and how we are going to organize it and get it done,” Johnson said. “But for right now Coach Allen and myself and Coach Caldwell when he gets back with Coach Petrino, we will get it all figured out.”

II. Staying Busy
Arkansas went nearly two weeks without practicing. It was a long break from football, but the Razorbacks didn’t totally consider it down time.

Linebacker Jerico Nelson said the days “off” were a good time to concentrate on academics and any other areas that might not have gotten everyone’s full attention during the season.

“You miss it,” Nelson said of football. “Other than that, mostly everybody on the team was getting academics right, making sure school was right, catching up on finals and all that type of paperwork.”

III. Adams Honored                        
Joe Adams collected another postseason honor.

Adams was named to the Walter Camp Award second-team All-America list on Thursday. He averaged 16.9 yards per punt return and had three for touchdowns.

Speaking Out
“Just seeing him come in today and him and coach [Bobby Petrino] get along, they haven’t missed a beat. He knows exactly what we’re doing and how we’re doing. It’s just like he’s never left, to be honest with you.”
—Bobby Allen on the return of offensive coordinator Paul Petrino